Hamilton Local Schools superintendent on administrative leave after drug arrest

by Csaba Sukosd

William Morrison III, 54, was charged with possession of a controlled substance after patrol officers said they found crack rocks and a crack pipe in his Acura as he was parked in an alley south of Sullivant Ave and west of S. Hague around 8 p.m. on Friday night. (Courtesy: Franklin County Jail)

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) -- The superintendent for the Hamilton Local Schools district is on paid administrative leave after police say he was in possession of crack cocaine in west Columbus.

William Morrison III, 54, was charged with possession of a controlled substance after patrol officers said they found crack rocks and a crack pipe in his Acura as he was parked in an alley south of Sullivant Ave and west of S. Hague around 8 p.m. on Friday night.

Bike patrol officers said they noticed the vehicle with its lights on as it was partially blocking a garage and the alley. The officers suspected he was involved in prostitution or drugs, because the area is known to be active for both activities, police said. That is when officers said they approached the vehicle, identified Morrison, and searched his car after he agreed to exit it. Officers said they found the drugs in the interior door handle of the driver's door.

Morrison, who has been with the Hamilton Local school district for more than a decade, has been superintendent for the last two after being promoted from assistant superintendent in 2015. Officials said he has no reprimands or suspensions to date.

The district says they will remain transparent through the investigation.